Rescue in Cleveland

When Charles Ramsey heard a woman screaming at his neighbor’s house, he later said the sound was so loud children stopped playing nearby. As neighbors resumed their business, ignoring the sound, Mr. Ramsey crossed the street to investigate the screams coming from his friend’s house.

He found Amanda Berry, missing for ten years, frantically trying to open the front door which had been chained shut. The door opened wide enough only for her hand to get out, and Mr. Ramsey – realizing the seriousness of the situation – helped Ms. Berry by kicking a hole in the bottom half of the door.

“So I did what I had to do.” Charles Ramsey

Ms. Berry emerged from a decade in captivity, along with her daughter, and quickly borrowed a phone to call 911. Charles Ramsey called on his own phone too, and – insisting to a skeptical dispatcher that this was not a hoax – reported that a crime had taken place. When the police arrived, they freed two other hostages, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, from the house too.

Mr. Ramsey was immediately hailed as a “hero”. His actions seemed to embody the best in humanity, to exemplify the energy and caring that we all hope we are capable of in our dreams. His valor echoes the timeless moral injunction of the Torah never to refrain when we see another person in danger: “Do not stand idly by when your fellow man’s life is in danger” (Leviticus 19:16).

On one level, this everlasting moral principle seems obvious: who amongst us wouldn’t want to rush to the aid of another human being? Yet the situation at 2207 Seymour Avenue shows us how very hard it can be to help, how difficult it can be to translate this lofty sentiment into concrete actions. Who amongst us hasn’t thought that, given the right circumstances, we would be capable of heroism?

Yet, in this case, it wasn’t easy even for concerned neighbors to rise to the occasion and help.

There were times the women could have been aided. In 2004, police visited Ariel Castro, the home’s owner, after he left a boy unattended on the school bus he drove. But it appears the police didn’t actually enter the house, and left never realizing three women were being kept captive inside.

Three years ago, neighbors living two doors away heard a blood-curdling shriek come from the basement. “It was the kind of scream that made you uncomfortable, so my mom called the police,” explained the neighbor, Juan Perez recently, but it appears the police didn’t investigate, and neither Mr. Perez nor his mother followed up.

Last year, a little girl saw an undressed woman crawling out of Castro’s house. The girl’s grandmother called the police. But they never came, and this neighbor apparently never followed up on her call.

Neighbors were moved to make an initial call for help, (I wonder how many of us would have turned a blind eye) but a greater commitment seemed to be needed in order call the police back and make sure they visited the house and found an explanation for the concerning behaviors they reported.

When we truly care about others, we won’t rest until we’re successful.

The great Jewish sage Rashi provides us with a deeper meaning to the Torah’s instruction not to stand idly by when others are in danger. It means identifying with our fellow human beings, caring about them and not talking ill about them or seeking to harm them. In explaining this commandment, he quotes Rabbi Akiva, who said “Love your fellow as yourself: this is the greatest mitzvah in the Torah.”

When we truly care about other people, we’ll seek to help them. Not half-heartedly, but fully, completely, aggressively. How many of us would be satisfied with merely calling the police if we suspected it was our friend, our neighbor, our sister, God forbid, who was held in that house? How many of us would have let the matter drop after one phone call, one unanswered appeal to the police? When we truly care about others, we won’t rest until we’re successful.

Charles Ramsey’s Sordid Past

In his many colorful interviews since the women’s rescue, when asked if he thought he was a hero, Charles Ramsey demurred: “I’m an American and a human being. I’m just like you,” he said. It soon emerged that he wasn’t “just like” most people, however, and has been convicted of multiple crimes in his past, including domestic battery, drug abuse, criminal trespassing, and trespassing. He beat his wife and failed to pay child support for his daughter.

Ramsey must have known – given his new-found fame – that his criminal past would soon come to light. Perhaps that’s why he insisted so strongly that he was ordinary and typical, why he was so emotional in condemning the evil captivity on his block. Perhaps that’s why he turned down any offer of a reward, insisting instead that any money should go to the three women he helped free.

Does his sordid past negate his heroism on Seymour Avenue? In Jewish thought, we’re each responsible for our actions: the things we do define us. While Ramsey has plenty in his past to regret and repent for, they don’t negate the heroism he showed in helping rescue Amanda Berry.

His past misdeeds are separate from his actions. “There was a woman in distress, so why turn your back on that?” he told interviewers. Despite the fact that in his past Charles Ramsey turned his back on others, despite the fact he caused others distress, on that one day in Seymour Avenue, he acted. On that day, Charles Ramsey rose to the challenges he faced and was the man he had the potential to be.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Yvette Alt Miller earned her B.A. at Harvard University. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Jewish Studies at Oxford University, and has a Ph.D. In International Relations from the London School of Economics. She lives with her family in Chicago, and has lectured internationally on Jewish topics. Her book Angels at the table: a Practical Guide to Celebrating Shabbat takes readers through the rituals of Shabbat and more, explaining the full beautiful spectrum of Jewish traditions with warmth and humor. It has been praised as "life-changing", a modern classic, and used in classes and discussion groups around the world.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 39

(31)
comment,
May 23, 2013 10:24 PM

They may have been under cultural and social pressure to not say anything.

(30)
Marlene Wiltshire,
May 17, 2013 9:51 AM

A stone bled! Shame on that neighborhood.

(29)
ashley,
May 15, 2013 9:32 PM

What a great comments to Charles heroism.

I would like to thank Charles Ramsey personally for doing a lot to help in the situation he met himself. What a man. His past should never be compared to his present day, what he did was simply help 3 disturbed and depraved ladies. No one's past should be taken into account when such a thing happens.

(28)
Judy Green,
May 15, 2013 4:13 AM

Mr Ramsey.

He is a Hero..Thats for sure..

(27)
Anonymous,
May 13, 2013 2:05 PM

not the first on site

I heard that the real hero does not speak English but was the first on site and helped Amanda Berry. Mr. Ramsey took all the credit because he speaks English.

Lexi,
May 15, 2013 9:35 AM

You heard? Why is his 'heroism' it not properly documented? He was the first on the site, but did nothing. Why bothering yourself about 'credits'. After all, no cash rewards.

(26)
Anonymous,
May 12, 2013 9:17 PM

Heroism and Racism

I salute his heroism. I am distressed about his comments on white women and black men. I feel he is playing into a hateful stereotype that needs to be left behind.

(25)
Anonymous,
May 12, 2013 11:44 AM

Blessings

Mr. Ramsey is truly blessed as are all of us when we try to do the right thing we will so find ourselves.

(24)
Beverly Kurtin,
May 11, 2013 4:12 AM

Scales

I've a feeling that the good deed Mr. Ramsey achieved, if put on the scales of justice, his deed far outweighs is past. I had to laugh when he said, "When a good looking white woman runs into the arms of a black man, you KNOW there is a problem!"

I salute him for his heroism and ignore his past.

Yehudah ben Chai Yisrael,
May 12, 2013 8:34 PM

I agree. If he has done right without second thoughts, his past should be forgotten and given a second chance.
I hope that someone may give him a hand and a job, so that he may restart his life again, this time more righteously. Amen ve Amen.

(23)
Tom,
May 10, 2013 6:39 AM

Mr. Ramsey and the Torah

Thank you for this analysis. I think I will take the torah over any so-called ethicist today. And I wish Mr. Ramsey a bright future on the straight and narrow path. He has done a great service.

(22)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2013 2:45 AM

great article!!

(21)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 8:56 PM

I think that this article is so humbling and so well written! it gives you the confidence to start to be the best person you can be no-matter what your past holds. it shows Charles Ramsey for the hero he is and doesnt belittle what he did because of his past. Really good article! Thank you!

(20)
dennis,
May 9, 2013 7:48 PM

positive

Why would you put focus on him ! Its not about Charles Ramsey! Its about them girls! I always believed no matter how bad someone is try to find the Good in them!With his past or no past he was the vessel God used to help set them free and that's what matters the most , not that he don't fit your criteria as a human being

Malka,
May 10, 2013 11:08 AM

A true hero

I agree with Dennis. CR rose and rose so much he turned down reward money that I am sure he needed and he might have even used to correct past misdeeds. That takes a big person. The focus is on who was redeemed and CR focused on them and put himself aside that makes him a HERO

(19)
Mindel Berney,
May 9, 2013 7:44 PM

Flimsy as a Biblical morality tale

Sometimes a lowlife in the 'hood will break open a door for a screaming person. Glad that Mr. Ramsey did it. Just not sure that his act constitutes a breathtaking morality tale. In reading this article, it seems to me that the real moral issue is whether the police are doing their job. Is it possible that the cries from a downtrodden neighborhood are characteristically ignored, on the assumption that the inhabitants are druggies and losers anyway? THAT thought bothers me.

Boca Mom,
May 10, 2013 1:22 PM

don't judge him

If G-d chose him to save 4 people, then he has merit - G-d gave him an opportunity to save 4 lives - as we learn, saving 1 life is like saving the whole world. We should, therefore, not say harsh tings about this man because G-d obviously thinks highly of him to give him this opportunity.

Marsha Cochrane,
May 11, 2013 4:52 PM

Are the police doing their job?

I am happy you saw it fit to highlight that concern. It was indeed matter which laid heavily on my heart as I followed the story of these ladies. The police seem not to be very concerned with the safety of the poor and needy within the innercity communities.

(18)
raymond dreyfuss,
May 9, 2013 7:20 PM

James Ramsey

James to me is a great guy doing what he did God bless him.

He wke up and that he feels that its not about him but about victims, by monsters.

I hope the A frican Americans can look at James and say lets excape from the plantation that left has put us in and start by being people that want to be free and make their own way in life, and understand that everybody should love each other we are all Americans.

and there is no excuse to live in povetry, after all we are the richest Country on Earth.

Shelly Garelick,
May 13, 2013 12:38 AM

Go Jimmy Go

Raymond is so right! Every word is so true. Ray gets it exactly on the money.
By the way, who is James?

(17)
Eliana,
May 9, 2013 6:55 PM

TMI!!!

For heaven's sake--why did you have to bring up this man's past??? Should we dwell on Yehudah messing around with a "prostitute" or with David haMelech's sending a man to his death after sleeping with his wife? These are tzaddakim, whose reputations (ie, whose "good sides") more than compensate for their mistakes. What's your average Joe got going for him nowadays??? This gentleman was a hero, a real mensch. Such people are rare nowadays. Stop trying to tear down the little that is good in this world!!!!!!!!!

(16)
Moe neuer,
May 9, 2013 6:35 PM

One instant

There are those who acquire the world to come in one instant.

(15)
Daniel,
May 9, 2013 6:14 PM

Do what you can!

Some years ago I heard an interview with a person who had jumped onto the subway tracks to rescue a person who had fallen. When he was asked why he did it, his answer was very starightforward: "Because I could!" Bravo for those who strive to be all they can be!

(14)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 5:55 PM

Angel Cordero was the real hero

There is a quiet Hispanic man who was probably the REAL hero, named Angel Cordero, not the colorful & loud character Ramsey. This is the interview from a Cleveland TV station: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/man-who-helped-free-missing-cleveland-women-berry-dejesus-and-knight-i-did-what-had-to-be-done

People loved to jump on the premature band wagon to believe Ramsey, but you all need to learn to be street smart and not believe the loudest voice and wait for the investigation to be done. Do not forget that Ramsey is a street wise woman beater and liar. Before something goes into print forever you need to wait for the REAL truth to emerge and give thanks to quiet Angel Cordero.

Anonymous,
May 13, 2013 9:53 PM

Whew!

I am so glad you are not G-d! This world would be in a "hurt" with people like you in the majority figuring out who should get picked. You are a narrow thinker. Just leave the situation alone. CR for whatever reason prevailed as a "loud, color-full and distasteful" person you may have determined him to be. Yes you are free to speak; however, we get enough of this kind of throwback lately as the country inches toward polarization. Please just go somewhere and sit down.

(13)
Lois Homer,
May 9, 2013 5:30 PM

Charles Ramsey, a true hero

Hats off to Charles Ramsey. To the people who are miffed because he said something about a pretty little white girl running into a black man's arms terrified, you people have to get over it and be grateful for heros like Charles Ramsey. I loved his remark.

(12)
Malka Sara,
May 9, 2013 5:08 PM

Thank you Yvette for saying what needs to be said

(11)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 5:05 PM

make sure this article is sent to Mr. Charles Ramsey!

Please make sure that Mr. Charles Ramsey receives a copy of this letter. The attributes that you list are highly complimentary..and they are necessary for him to read and elevate him in his own personae.

(10)
Diana,
May 9, 2013 4:05 PM

What if the situation is to dangerous to help?

Does the Torah mandate that we intervene to help someone even if it means putting our own life in danger? What if someone is pointing a gun at a fellow human being and I see it? Should I intervene risking getting myself killed? Or is it sufficient to call the police?

J.D.,
May 14, 2013 12:13 AM

Excellent question

Great and important question that should be addressed by a qualified scholar. Maybe one for Ask The Rabbi

(9)
don,
May 9, 2013 3:38 PM

lessons

Perhaps he was able to act BECAUSE of his past actions. If he were without conscience, would he defer any reward to the victims? People can change and will if offered the opportunity.
May Hashem bless our corrections and forget our mistakes.
And may we do the same

(8)
JB Destiny,
May 9, 2013 3:29 PM

Exactly right.

(7)
Ken Pennington,
May 9, 2013 3:22 PM

He did the right that day

He is a hero

(6)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 3:17 PM

God bless you, Charles Ramsey!

You, Charles Ramsey, are a hero indeed. Praying you continue to be clean, sober, and crime free. You, me, and most people know what meth, crack, heroin, etc., co - make a blind demon come out and cover up the hero in us all. So, keep on keeping on, Brother. You've done a great thing here.

(5)
Rachel,
May 9, 2013 2:57 PM

Good points

I wholeheartedly agree with your points about Charles Ramsay (and I find it interesting that people went digging for the dirt on him - perhaps because he's a working-class African American....)As for others who called the police but weren't satisfied with the response - what would you have them do? If something seemed wrong at my friend's house, I would do more. However, if something seemed wrong at the home of someone I didn't know, I would call the police, but if the police didn't respond adequately, I'm not sure how one is supposed to follow up. If I thought my friend were in trouble, I'd break in if need be -- knowing that if I were mistaken, my friend would understand what I was doing and forgive me. But with strangers (even those who live in the area) - you don't know what's going on. Maybe the undressed woman in the backyard is on drugs and a family member brought her back inside. Maybe the screaming is an inappropriate response to a horror film being viewed by those inside.When my friend got legal custody of child from other parent, the child screamed and told people that it was kidnapping! Can you imagine if some would-be vigilante tried to "rescue" the child?Unfortunately, in an age when we aren't all well-acquainted with our neighbors, the only thing we can do is rely on the authorities to investigate and get it right.

(4)
Brooklyn Jew,
May 9, 2013 2:53 PM

Very nice

This was a lucid, fantastic post with great points. I really enjoyed reading this and actually felt quite emotional throughout the passage. Bravo

(3)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 2:50 PM

A True Hero

Mr. Ramsey did what so many others fail to go and that was to release his past and help those in need. Yes he may have failed his family in the past but now his family should be proud that he stood up to the evils of man and with empathy in his heart he saved three women from 10 plus years of nightmares.It is written im the Torah to show love to strangers (Exodus 22:21,Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 24:17-18). Also one can say that Mr. Ramsey finally washed the "Sodomite Salt" from his eyes to see the empathy that was needed.

(2)
bobby5000,
May 9, 2013 2:50 PM

The Duty to Help as a Jew

As Jews, we can never forget or ignore. When Nazis came, for our forefathers, most of the neighbors did nothing- some having a we don't get involved policy, others pretending they did not know what was happening. Our legacy as a people prevents us from being like our heartless neighbors.

There may not be another holocaust affecting our people; there will be times when we see evil, and we will have the choice of helping.

(1)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2013 2:31 PM

It's a darn good thing he did what he did. Because it is always nice to have something to balance what is lacking.

That can go a long way in making enduring what is difficult and deserving much easier.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!